Skip to content Skip to footer

Exploring the Coastal Fishponds Around Pulau Dua Nature Preserve

Last August, as a part of “Ujung Kulon: Nature Trip” which was delayed by an earthquake at Pandeglang Regency in Banten Province, Burung Indonesia organized a nature exploration attended by members of the association. The exploration’s destination was the coastal fishpond area in Sawah Luhur Village, Serang City, Banten Province, which is also close by the Pulau Dua Nature Preserve (PDNP).

The PDNP was originally a separated island, but then connected to Java Island due to sedimentation. Occupying in total 30 hectares of area, PDNP consists of several ecosystems inhabited by waterbirds and other faunas, namely mangroves, mudflat and beach forest.

The exploration began at dawn, right when the birds were about to leave their nests for foraging. The participants visited fishponds managed by Nature Lovers of Pulau Dua Coast (NLPDC) group, which led by Kasrudin—also called as Kang* Udin. The group specializes in Milkfish, which grow on fishponds surrounded by mangroves high enough for the birds from genus Egretta spp. and other species to perch every night. The bird observation was conducted right on the edge of the mangrove forest, where most encounters were dominated by flocks of waterbirds.

During the activity, several species were observed flying from their perching areas, namely Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Purple Heron (Ardea Purpurea), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) and a few species of egrets (Egretta alba, E. garzetta, Bubulcus ibis). Higher in altitude, Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) and Christmas Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi) spotted traversing the area.

After the observation, Kang Udin invited us to check the bubu, or bamboo trap, which was attached to the floodgate. When the tide is low, fishes and shrimps would be trapped inside. Other marine biota carried by the tides were crab, mantis shrimp and pond snake.

Ujung Kulon: Nature Trip is part of the Membership Program of Burung Indonesia, aims to introduce each member to the biodiversity that exists in the surrounding environment. The next nature exploration is scheduled in Ujung Kulon National Park on 13-15 September 2019. (ARI)

en_US